It’s almost the end of 2024 and this year is actually a major milestone for us! 2014 was the year the foundations were laid for what we have become. I am taking a little time to look back and share our journey with you. I noticed that as a business with ambitions one actually never looks back but only ahead. So this is a great opportunity to look back and reflect! When I set off in February 2014 from my then home Delhi, I was determined with no expectations and open for almost everything – quite typical for a 24 year old I would say! I had little cash in my wallet, a small backpack and some “contact pouches”...
It has really been a special summer for us! Ever since KAL was started our idea was to be as close as possible to our textiles, to their making and finishing. It was obvious that all these things don't come easy and we couldn't do it all at the beginning - from sourcing wool, to spinning and weaving, dyeing and stitching of our garments. All these things take time and luck
This article is part of a series of essays submitted by the fellows of 2023 of a program by KAL. The fellows are local young people who are Kharnakpa but have settled close to Leh city. In an immersive experience over 2 weeks in their native place last winter, each fellow gathered information on lifestyle, culture, crafts, shepherding etc of their community. The first essay is by Stanzin Konchok on the handspun and handwoven yak hair tent called Reibo. Thank you so much Konchok for your informative essay. THE TRADITIONAL NOMADIC TENT OF THE CHANGPA TRIBE. 1. INTRODUCTION. A. DEFINITION OF REIBO Reibo refers to the traditional nomadic tent utilized by the changpa tribe. Primarily found in the...
Last month we had the opportunity to introduce photographer Ayan Biswas to the community of Kharnak. We have always been wanting to take back our textiles to their source and finally could do so. Here we are presenting four of our products, worn by the locals - the people who sold us the wool - and share more about them, their lifestyle and beliefs. We hope you enjoy this! Dolma AngmoFor Dolma Angmo it is essential to pray every day.Since this summer on request of a holy monk, every night one person of each household attends a praying session in the community hall of the camp.To the people of Kharnak prayer is important as they are often facing challenges regarding...
Some of our “passion textiles” truly are the handspun and handwoven carpets from the people of Kharnak in Ladakh. They are quite unique in their look – they are all woven on portable backstrap looms and there are three different types of weaves. The two oldest ones are both flatweaves. The flatweaves using 4 shafts are
